Sablefish – U.S. Alaska

Sablefish is a moderately growing, long-lived species that is found in deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, from northern Alaska to Baja California.

In Alaska, Sablefish are caught primarily by longlines and traps/pots. The longline and trap/pot gears cause low damage to the seafloor and result in low bycatch.

Sablefish abundance is at a healthy level and fishing levels are sustainable. Management of Sablefish is good overall, with implementation of a quota share system in which fishers own a share of the total allowed catch and are allowed to fish at anytime within the season.